IDC Says ISDN Will Keep Growing Through 2003

While DSL and cable modems are threatening the use of ISDN, a report by International Data Corp. (www.idc.com) states that the number of ISDN lines will increase at a compound annual growth rate of 14 percent through 2003.

"Growth will taper off as competing technologies start to make inroads into ISDN application segments," says Jeannette Noyes, a research manager at IDC.

IDC points to growing Internet and remote access use as driving ISDN growth for basic rate interface (BRI) and primary rate interface (PRI) services. BRI’s momentum will continue through 2001, and PRI will drive the use of ISDN through 2002, with a combined revenue peak of $2 billion.

Melanie Posey, senior analyst at IDC, explains that ISDN doesn’t receive as much attention as the newer technologies."It is still a viable alternative for the voice and data requirements of many businesses," she says. -- Thomas Sullivan